Outdoor lighting unit



April 5, 1932. c. DOANE OUTDOOR LIGHTING UNIT Fi led March 26, 1929 2 Sheets-She et 1 INVEN'II'OR Zerou 6 .Doafle.

' ATTORNEY April 5, 1932. O L, D ANE 1,852,741

OUTDOOR LIGHTiNG UNIT Filed March 26, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY v Y INVENTOR leroa (pea/7e Patented Apr. 5, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LEROY G. DOANE, OF MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE MILLER COMPANY, OF MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT OUTDOOR LIGHTING UNIT Application filed March 26, 1929. Serial No. 349,919.

The present invention relates to outdoor lighting units and is especially directed to a weather proof lighting unit suitable for outdoor use and capable of receiving various sized lamps.

The present invention contemplates a series of lighting units wherein a number of in terchangeable parts may be used to construct individual lighting units of varying capacities.

An object of the present invention is to provide such arrangement whereby the different sized'units may be made up out of the component parts with a minimum of assembly 5 operations.

According to the preferred form of construction, two sizes of outer castings and two forms of socket support are employed in making up a line of outdoor lighting units adapted to accommodate the six standard sizes of lamp bulbs which may be employed.

These devices are arranged so that they may be assembled in varying manners for such purpose. For example, in practicing the invention, it is possible to provide two cast holders which may be identical except for length, and two socket supporting straps which are arranged so as to be interchangeably used with the holders. One of the straps is particularly arranged for use with Mogul base lamp sockets for the 300 and 500 watt size lamps in common use, while the other socket holder is arranged for supporting a standard Edison base receptable in either of two positions. When this latter mentioned socket supporting device is used with one size of outer holder, the socket may be placed in proper position for either the or 100 watt lamps, and when used with the other holder, the socket may be placed for 150 and 200 watt lamps.

The accompanying drawings show, for purposes of illustration, one of the many possible embodiments of a set of parts utilized in carrying out the present invention, it

being understood that the drawings are illustrative of the invention rather than limiting the same.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through a lighting unit utilizing the longer form of outer holder and showing a supporting device for 150 watt or 200 watt lamps;

Figure 2 is a sectional view takenat right angles to Figure 1, but showing the shorter casing for 60 watt and 100 watt lamps;

Figure 3 is an elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 3 of Figure 1 showing the socket supporting device for the standard size lamp socket, such socket being shown in one position in dotted lines;

Figure 4 is a sectional view through a holder of the size shown in Figure 1 with a socket support for aMogul base socket and large lamp bulb; V

Figure 5 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow 5 of Figure t with the cover removed and the lamp socket omitted; and

Figure 6 is an elevational view of the holder of Figure 4:, with parts broken away showing interior construction.

The outer body of the lighting unit is indicated at 10. It may consist of a simple cylindrical casting having convenient means for securing it to a stationary support and for securing a reflector or other device to it. In the form indicated in the drawings, it is provided with a threaded boss 11 near its upper end and with an inwardly directed flange 12 at its lower end. The boss is tapped as indicated for securing the holder to a pipe and the flange 12 is tapped for screws 13 to secure a reflector 14 or fitter 14. i

, This casting is open at the upper end and is adapted to receive a lamp socket and socket carrier. It is intended that the socket carrier be slidable into the casing and nonrotatable therein, also that it be secured inplace by the mere fastening of a cap or cover member on the casing. One of these parts is therefore provided with guides adapted to receive the other part, and cooperative interengageable elements are provided to limit the axial movement of the socket carrier or support relative to the casing. Either of these parts may have the guides and stops. For convenience the construction shown contemplates that the casting be provided with two oppositely disposed longitudinal grooves or guideways 15 and 16 opening toward the upper end. These Fiji grooves may extend all the way down to the flange 12 or may stop short of this flange as desired. The upper end of the casing wall is provided with slots or notches 17 preferably arranged centrally relative to the grooves and 16.

The grooves and notches are adapted to receive the socket carriers or supports above referred to. The form of socket carrier designed for use with the standard Edison base sockets is illustrated at 19 in Figures 1, 2 and 3. It may consist of a single sheet metal stamping having the desired configuration. In the form shown, the stampingis of general U-shape having a top portion 20, and two side portions 21 and 22. The stamping is provided with two laterally extending supporting lugs 23 adapted to fit the notches 17 These lugs may be provided by bending out material cut from the side portions 21 and 22. These side portions of the stamping are of the width to fit the grooves 15 and 16 in the casing and are provided with inwardly bent socket supporting ears or feet arranged in pairs 24, 24 and 25, 25.

The ears 24, 24 are at a higher elevation than the ears 25, 25. The distance is preferably made equal to the difference in length. of the two sizes of lamps which are to be em ployed with the socket. The lugs or ears 24, 24 and 25, 25 are placed as indicated in the drawings so that a lamp socket 26 may be supported ineither the lower or upper position by means of attaching screws 27. IVhen the socketis in the upper pair of ears 24, 24, the socket is in position to support a 200 watt lamp as indicated at 28. The neck of the lamp passes up between the ears 25, 25 which are not in use. WVhen the socket is secured to the lower ears instead of the upper ones, it is in proper position to support a 150 watt lamp as indicated at 29.

The wiring for the lighting unit is brought in through the pipe in the usual manner and the wires connected to the lamp socket terminals as usual. The socket and socket carrier may be placed in position in the slots 15 and 16 and are fixedly secured in place by a cap or cover member 30 which may be in the form of a sheet metal stamping having a pair of indentations 31, 31 adapted to engage in helical slots 32, 32 in the casing. When the cover is tightened in place, the flattened surface 33 thereof is brought down against the lugs 23 and forces them tightly in place in the recess thereby securing the socket supporting device immovably in the holder.

In case it is desired to use lighting units having 60 or 100 watt lamps, the outer casing is preferably made shorter so that the lamp may have the desired position relative to the focus of the reflector. Such a shorter casing 19 is indicated in Figure 2.

When it is desired to use a 300 or 500 watt lamp, the lighting unit is provided with a Mogul base socket indicated at in Figures 4 and 6. This lamp base is mounted on a socket carrier or support in the form of a bridging member or strap 41. The center of this bridging member is depressed as indicated in Figures 4 and 6 so that short vertical side portions 42 are provided to fit into the channels or guideways 15 and 16. The strap is also provided with outwardly extending anchoring members 44 similar to the members 23 and adapted to fit in the notches 17. This strap may be provided with a central hole 45 to accommodate the Wires for the Mogul base lamp socket and with tapped holes 46 to receive screws 47 for supporting the socket in place. The parts are secured together by the cover 30 in the manner above described.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided an arrangement whereby one can use the desired size of lamp in any particular unit. The flexibility of the parts allows making various assemblies without carrying complete assemblies of all the sizes in stock. It is also possible to make several changes in lamp size by a mere change or adjustment of the inner socket support. The outer housing need not be changed except when using the two smaller sizes of bulbs above referred to.

It is obvious that the invention may be embodied in many forms and constructions within the scope of the claims, and I wish it to be understood that the particular form shown, is but one of the many forms. Various modifications and changes being possible, I do not otherwise limit myself in any way with respect thereto.

I claim:

1. In lighting units, a system of fittings for lamp bulbs of various sizes, comprising, a plurality of socket casings of different lengths, each open at the upper end and adapted to support a reflector from its lower end, and a plurality of socket supports of different sizes and characteristics and adapted to support different sockets in different positions, each support being insertible into a casing from the upper end thereof, one of said parts having longitudinal guides fitting the other and adapted to determine the angular position of said other part and hold the parts against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to definitely locate the socket support employed, each socket support being adapted to support a lamp socket in a predetermined position relative to the reflector and place the center of a socket supported lamp bulb in the focus of the reflector, each casing having a cover member secured thereon and engaging the socket support placed therein to hold it securely in place.

2. In lighting units, a system of fittings for lamp bulbs of various sizes, comprising, a plurality of socket casings of different lengths, each open at-the upper end and adapted to support a reflector from its lower end, and'a plurality of socket. supports of different sizes and characteristics and adapted to support difl'erent sockets in different positions, each support being insertible into a casing from the upper end thereof, one of said parts having longitudinal guides fitting the other and adapted todetermine'the angular position of said other part and hold the parts against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to definitely locate the socket support employed, each socket support being adapted to support a lamp socket in a predetermined position relative to the reflector and place the center of a socket supported lamp bulb in the focus of the reflector, at least one of the socket supports having provisions for mounting a socket at two mounting heights corresponding with lamp bulbs of two predetermined sizes, each casing having a cover member secured thereon and engaging the socket support placed therein to hold it securely in place.

3. In lighting units, a system of fittings for lamp bulbs of various sizes, comprising, a plurality of socket casings of different lengths, each open at the upper end and adapted to support a reflector from its lower end, and a plurality of socket supports of different sizes and characteristics and adapted to support different sockets in different positions, each support being insertible into a casing from the upper end thereof, one of said parts having longitudinal guides fitting the other and adapted to determine the angular position of said other part and hold the parts against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to definitely locate the socket support employed, each socket support being adapted to support a lamp socket in a predetermined position relative to the reflector and place the center of a socket supported lamp bulb in the focus of the reflector, at least one of the socket supports having pro-visions for mounting a socket at two mounting heights corresponding with lamp bulbs of two predetermined sizes, said last mentioned socket support being capable of interchangeable use with two of said casings, said support and casings being of such size and configuration that any one of four different size lamp bulbs may be so supported, each casing having a cover member secured thereon and engaging the socket support placed therein to hold it securely in place.

4. In lighting units, a system of fittings for lamp bulbs of various sizes, comprising, a plurality of socket casings of difl'erent lengths, each open at the upper end and adapted to support a reflector from its lower end, and a plurality of socket supports of different sizes and characteristics, the casplurality of socket casings lengths, each open at the upper end and adapt-13 ings at their upper ends having guideways into which the socket supports are slidable, the socket supports having extensions over lying the upper end of the casing, each socket support being adapted to support a lamp g' socket in'a predetermined position relative to the reflector and place the center of a socket supported lamp bulb in the focus of the reflector, each casing having a cover member secured thereon and engaging the socket sup- 2 port placed therein to hold it securelyin place.

7 5. In lighting units, a system of fittings for lamp bulbs of various sizes, comprising, a of difl'erent edto support a reflector from its lower end, and a plurality of socket supports of different sizes and characteristics, the casings at their upper ends having guideways into which the socket supports are slidable, ports having extensions overlying the upper end of the casing, each socket support being adapted to support a lamp socket in a predetermined position relative to the reflector and place the center of a socket supported open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof,

one of said parts havinglongitudinal guides fitting the other part andadapted to determine the relative an'gular'position of the parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, and a cover member secured to the casing and engaging the socket 710 support to hold it securely in plac 7 A lighting unit comprising a casing open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof, one of said parts having longitudinal guides fitting the 1 other part and adapted to determine the relative angular position of the parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the, parts also having interengageable elements to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, the socketsupport havingprovisions for mounting a socket at two mounting heights corresponding with lampbulbs of two predetermined sizes, and a cover member secured to the casing and engaging the socket support to hold it securely in place.

8. A lighting unit comprising a casing open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof, the casing having longitudinal guides to receive the socket support and adapted to determine the the socket suphaving relative angular position of the, parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, and'a cover member secured to the casing and engaging the socket support to hold it securely in place.

9. A lighting unit comprising a caslng open at the top, asocket support insertible and engaging the socket support to hold it securely in place.

10. A lighting unit comprising a casing open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof, the casing having longitudinal guides to receive-the socket support and adapted to determine the relative angular position of the parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the socket support having lugs fitted into notches in the casing to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, and a cover member secured to the casing and engaging the socket support to hold it securely in place.

11. A lighting unit comprising a casing open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof, the casing having longitudinal guides to receive the socket support and adapted to determine the relative angular position of the parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the socket support having lugs fitted into notches in the casing to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, the socket support having provisions for mounting a socket at two mounting heights corresponding with lamp bulbs of two predetermined sizes, and a cover member secured to the casing and engaging the socket support to hold it securely in place.

12. A lighting unit comprising a casing open at the top, a socket support insertible into the casing from the upper end thereof, one of said parts having longitudinal guides fitting; the'other part and adapted to determine the relative angular position of the parts and to hold them against relative rotation, the parts also having interengageable elements to limit the movement of the socket support into the casing, and a cover member threaded onto the casing and bearing on the socket support to hold it in place.

13. In a lighting unit, a socket support comprising an inverted U-shaped stamping having inturned lugs at different elevations along the sides of the U and outwardly exof March, 1929.

LEROY C. DOANE. 

